Subsidy agreed for heart drug

Pharmac will subsidise a drug that helps to prevent blood clots developing in arteries.

The Government's drug-buying agency said the subsidy for clopidogrel would take effect from Sunday.

The drug would be available as a three-month treatment following acute heart problems.

It would also be available to people who cannot take aspirin, which also helps to prevent clotting.

Pharmac medical director Peter Moodie said it was estimated up to 6000 people would benefit from the decision in the first year, with more benefiting in subsequent years.

Clopidogrel is prescribed to those awaiting coronary surgery and to people who have suffered heart attacks or have unstable angina.

Dr Moodie said the estimated cost of funding clopidogrel was up to $7 million a year.